Consultant says East Kalimantan govt doesn't need Rp 20b to fight coal fire spots

The East Kalimantan administration doesn't have to spend a huge Rp 20 billion to fight some 200 coal fire spots scattered in various places in the province because the coal contractors have the obligation to provide the financing, according to consultant.

East Kalimantan fire consultant Edy Frachman Laurens said that according to the Ministry of Mines and Energy 1996 decree, coal contractor has to set aside one percent of its revenue to finance fire fighting operation.

"There's no need for the Rp 20 billion. Such a huge fund could only create corruption and nepotism," Edy said.

He was responding to earlier report quoting head of the ministry of mines and energy East Kalimantan office Istiardjo (ed: one name) that some Rp 20 billion was needed by the administration to fight the coal fire once and for all to prevent a massive scale of fire problem in the province.(*)